Sullivan's original adaptation of the two plays allows Part 1 to introduce the characters and motivations in the evening's first act, and then Part 2 leads the evening towards a bittersweet climax where duty and friendship collide.

As civil war breaks out among the factions, Hal must take arms and follow his father into battle, a road that will eventually lead to the crown. A complete embarrassment for the king, Hal's rakish behavior spreads through the land, weakening the position of his already ailing father.

He drinks at the tavern and plans petty robberies with his pals, particularly the portly Falstaff (Hanks). To further his frustration, his son and heir, Prince Hal (Hamish Linklater), would rather carouse with his friends than face his responsibility as the future King of England. His allies, the Percy family, who aided his ascension to the throne, have now turned against him. The monarchy of King Henry IV (Joe Morton) is in upheaval. Similar to Orson Welles's film adaptation of the plays, Chimes at Midnight, this revision focuses on the prince's overstuffed, thieving mentor, Falstaff, lending a perfect vehicle for Tom Hanks's humorous but poignant sensibilities. For The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, director Daniel Sullivan has culled and combined both plays into an evening of ribaldry, song, and pageantry. William Shakespeare's Henry IV focus on growth and having history thrust upon oneself whether wanted or not. Chris Rivera and Hamish Linklater star opposite Tom Hanks in Henry IV, running through July 1 under the direction of Daniel Sullivan.

William shakespeare henry iv